With over 2.5 million registered nurses in the United States, the
roles of nurses are constant changing and expanding. Nurses are undoubtedly one of the reputed professionals in healthcare systems across the globe. These professionals are respected for their services and care provided to patients in need. As technology has pushed advancement in medicine, the need for highly skilled nurses is at an all-time high. Now these professionals are required to stay up to date and perform a variety of clinical skills. The profession demands immense patience, compassion towards the ill, dedication, and passion. Individuals must be willing to go one step ahead to provide medical services and not lose hope. Families and individuals suffering from health conditions and illnesses depend upon professionals such as nurses to guide them through the treatment, provide accurate information, support, and medical help.
Nursing Roles
Nursing careers are undoubtedly rewarding, fulfilling, and challenging. However, to become a nurse, individuals must be willing to attain training and education in this academic principle. Before one decides to become a nurse, it is important to understand what this profession demands and what a nurses role is. There are a few basic roles of nurses that need to be fulfilled no matter what nursing specialty. These include the following:
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Caregiver
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Counselor
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Leader
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Change agent
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Communicator
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Director
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Coach
These
nursing roles are mandatory for any nursing job. One must be willing to provide clinical services to patients in need. Side by side, a nurse must have communication skills to interact with patients and their families. As the average healthcare institution is growing, the
role of nurses are shifting away from the basics and are moving towards leadership components. Nurses now play a key role in managing teams effectively, coaching, and directing healthcare programs.
Advanced Nursing Roles
Beyond the basic nursing roles that are instilled in all nurses, there are unlimited
roles of nurses that are gaining importance. These roles vary with experience, education, and specialized training. Students can opt for a certain field in nursing and acquire expertise knowledge. Some of these roles include adult nursing, neonatal nurses, practice nurses, mental health nurses, children’s nurses, school nurses, and oncology nurses.
Nursing Degrees and Licensure
To become a nurse, students must earn at least an LPN degree or a RN degree. These programs emphasize the basic nursing roles and make sure students develop the necessary skill needed for nursing career. On the other hand, advanced nursing roles require more high level education, usually at bachelor and master level. A bachelor degree in nursing will cover all advanced nursing concepts and help students acquire in-depth information about a nursing specialty.
Licensing is also a major step that must be cleared in order to become a nurse. The Nursing Board in every state is the leading agency that issues licenses to students nurses. Without a license, it is illegal to provide healthcare services to patients. The licensing examination is commonly known as the National Council Licensure Examination.